What should I expect:

[AlmostLitigous]

Back in 1996, as part of my job, I started presenting to large groups of peple nationally.  I get jittery during the first 5 minutes of public speaking but get over it.  I went to my doctor, explained the situation and asked for a pill to "calm my nerves" prior to going on stage.  He gave me Paxil because there is "nothing that you can simply take as needed."  

I have epilepsy.  Sleep deprivation is my trigger for seizures.  After a year of Paxil, I started having problems sleeping - strange dreams, etc. so I just stopped taking it.  Needless to say, that didn't work.  I returned to the doctor who put me on Effexor XR 150 mg. daily.  I remember telling him that I did not want to be on anything with withdrawal symptoms.  I have been on Effexor XR for about 1.5 years or so.  Keep in mind, I am on this because I get nervous before speaking in front of large crowds.  I have never been remotely depressed in my life (unless you count PMS).

I have experienced the w/d symptoms when a scheduled pill isn't taken within a couple of hours of it's scheduled time - since I have epilepsy, I take all pills at a certain time of day, religiously.  Dizziness, electrical sensations - not fun.

I am in sales and travel either by car or plane frequently.  I also give many presentations to groups of people.  I have been wanting to get off of Effexor for awhile now but because of my schedule, have never been able to do so.  

On January 31st I ran out of Effexor.  I went two days without a pill - couldn't get a refill because it was the weekend.  By 2/3/09, I was really having w/d symptoms.  I called my doctor and spoke with the nurse.  She, in turn, spoke with my doctor who put me on the following taper schedule:  Drop immediately from 150 mg. daily to 75 mg. daily for 10 days.  Then, start another 10-day period during which I am to take 37.5 mg. EVERY OTHER DAY.  The nurse gave me these instructions along with some free samples to help me taper off.  

The drop to 75 mg. was just fine with the exception of twitching;   the 1st 37.5 mg. was tolerable - eye twitches and a little dizziness, but again, tolerable.  2/14/09 (Happy V-Day) was my first day without any Effexor and it was, simply put - scary.  I felt as though I had an electrical current running through my body - mostly in my head and also in my hands.  Very dizzy.  Cried over everything and I am not one to cry.  Then the intense rage came that evening.  I have headaches, chills, freezing then hot.  My vision is...odd.  It seems as though it is very clear, for lack of a better word.  Additionally, I have chest pain at times.

2/15/09:  When I woke up, I felt fine.  Then the w/d symptoms kicked in again.  I took the prescribed 37.5 mg pill.  Again, dizzy, electrical sensation (even in my tongue - anyone ever stick your tongue on a 9-volt battery?  That's the feeling), but at least I could function. No rage but still tears on occasion.

2/16/09:  No pill and can feel the symptoms returning.

Questions:  1) Is this a "normal" taper schedule? 2) How long can I expect this to last? I am not driving because I'm dizzy just sitting down!!

HELP!  I without a doubt will NOT get back on this drug that shouldn't have been prescribed to me in the first place (ever hear of Xanx, doc?) but need to know how long I have to endure this!!!

[LeftCoastChick]

I was weaned off Cymbalta sort of like you, but I ended up going up a bit then going down very slowly. Effexor and Cymbalta are the worst to wean yourself from to be honest. Some folks, not all , have anxiety but behind the scenes they actually have depression.  If you just get nervous before talking and that is the only time, find (once you slowly wean off the med) learn some techniques to relax yourself. I know someone who went to ToastMasters, to help with that. Unfortunately my pdoc said that getting off these drugs is as bad as heroine.  Take it very very slowly. These are the type of drugs, that you have to take at a certain time, their half life is very short from what I know. It will go away, but it will take a few days, remember this drug has attached itself to your neurotransmitters in your brain. I had to have ativan while I was withdrawals, I was so shaky.Talk to your doctor.

[teko]

Oh wow! I would think that being nervous before speaking publically would be quite normal, Paxil is an anti depressant and anti anxiety drug that needs to be taken daily in order to work! Xanax would have been more suitable for occasional use, but is addictive if abused. As far as getting thru the wd, that pretty much depends on your system and how much you were on and for how long. I would think after 4-6 weeks you should start feeling more normal but I certainly am no doctor, so you may want to call a pharmacist.